Routes
LNER
Recent Episodes
In this episode of Routes, Clara’s travel companion is international DJ, producer, and broadcaster Arielle Free for a journey filled with music, memories, and adventure.
Deeply passionate of her Scottish roots Arielle is no stranger to train travel. Having moved from Glasgow to London at 18 she has spent many hours making the trip between the two cities, and yet she still loves a train! UK landscapes to interrailing around Europe and bullet trains in Japan, Arielle is a natural storyteller whose lust for life, adventure and music shines through.
From debunking myths (spoiler: not all Scots ski and love the cold!) to playing in clubs around the world, Arielle’s adventures are as relatable as they are inspiring.
Warning: This episode may cause serious wanderlust, a craving for deep-fried Mars Bars, and an urge to listen to a few dance anthems.
Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER
Chapter Markers:
01:40 - Arielle’s Love for Scotland and Train Journeys. Arielle shares her feelings about returning to Scotland and the unique charm of train journeys.
03:40 - Early Adventures and Moving to London. Arielle recounts her first trips to London and the challenges of pursuing her dreams.
07:20 - Travel and DJing Across the Globe. Discussing her favourite travel memories and her experiences as a DJ in different countries.
08:40 - Iconic Places and Memories in Scotland. Exploration of Scottish landmarks and cultural highlights, including Stonehaven and its famous delicacies.
18:00 - Balancing Career Chaos with Grounding Rituals. How Arielle stays grounded amidst the chaos of her DJ career.
27:20 - Becoming a Globally Recognised DJ. Arielle reflects on her journey to international recognition and overcoming industry challenges.
28:40 - The Art of DJing and Audience Connection. Insights into Arielle’s approach to reading the crowd and creating memorable sets.
40:00 - Podcast and Party Starters. Discussion about Arielle’s podcast, “Party Starters,” and her ultimate party concept.
42:20 - Personal Life and Wedding Joy. Highlights from her wedding in Ibiza and blending music with personal celebrations.
45:20 - Future Travel and Career Goals. Arielle shares aspirations for travel and professional growth in South America, South Korea, and beyond.
46:40 - Staycations and Local Escapes. Exploring local travel spots in the UK for relaxation and inspiration.
50:20 - The Importance of Health and Routine for DJs. Maintaining fitness and focus while navigating a demanding career.
In this episode of Routes Clara is joined by one of the UK’s biggest comedy stars, Babatunde Aleshe, for a journey packed with laughs, stories, and a few unexpected travel guests.
Sparse to splendour - Bababunte has experienced it all - childhood holidays whilst rich in memories were a far cry from the luxury he has since enjoyed. From summer holidays spent at his aunts in Brixton to camping in TV land’s most famous jungle and sleeping under the stars in Africa, Bababunte’s travel experiences have come a long way.
Babatunde shares how his career has taken him around the UK on comedy tours and to some truly unforgettable destinations, he opens up about how he loves sharing travel with his family, and how now he has experienced a bit of luxury… there’s no turning back!
Warning: This episode may cause spontaneous laughter, sudden cravings for luxury travel, and an irresistible urge to unleash your inner explorer among the wild... proceed with caution!
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Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER
Chapter Markers:
01:40 – Babatunde’s Travel Preferences. Babatunde shares his strict seating preferences on trains and his need for solitude during travel.
4:40 – Solo Travel Vibes: Meditation and Music. Clara and Babatunde discuss the meditative side of train journeys and Babatunde’s love for Thundercat’s music.
6:00 – First Visit to Leeds: Comedy Circuit Breakthrough. Babatunde recalls his first trip to Leeds for a comedy performance at Jungle’s Comedy Club and overcoming nerves to succeed.
8:20 – Family Dynamics and Travel: Early vs. Punctual. Babatunde explains how he balances his Jamaican wife’s relaxed approach with his strict punctuality during travels.
11:00 – Travel Upgrades and Hotel Standards. Babatunde shares a funny story about demanding the “senior suite” in Dubai, showcasing his love for luxurious travel.
12:40 – Childhood Memories in Tottenham. Babatunde paints a picture of Tottenham in his childhood, describing the smells and energy of West Green Road.
17:20 – Work Trips: Standout Adventure in Zambia. Babatunde describes his transformative experience filming in Zambia, from close encounters with wildlife to the unique energy of Africa.
25:00 – Touring Life and the LNER Route. Clara and Babatunde discuss the upcoming High Expectations comedy tour, including stops along the LNER line and how he stays healthy on the road.
27:00 – Balancing Family Life with High Expectations. Babatunde reflects on the pressures of balancing family, career, and the expectations placed on him by fans and loved ones.
31:20 – Preparing for the Tour. Babatunde shares his process for crafting new material and the challenge of adding layers of vulnerability to his comedy.
36:40 – Staycations and Cambridge Escapes. Babatunde reveals his favourite UK staycations, especially in Cambridge, where he enjoys the tranquility and punting on the river.
37:40 – Final Stop in Leeds. Clara wraps up the episode with a teaser for Babatunde’s Quiet Coach episode, exploring his travel essentials and future adventures.
On this episode of Routes, Clara’s travel companion is her good friend, Candice Brathwaite.
Candice is a two-time Sunday Times best-selling author, podcaster, and champion of motherhood, diversity and inclusivity. You’ll be treated to an intimate conversation between two friends who laugh, share stories, and get deep.
Candice credits travel as a major influence on her writing, claiming she wouldn’t be the author she is today without it. A self-confessed romantic, she adores solo adventures, people-watching, and the respite and space travel gives her to create. In fact, her fourth book was written whilst in the air.
She opens up about her deep connection to New York and the influence her late and beloved Dad had on her to get out and experience the world. From early trips across London as a young girl to a transformative four-month stint in India, that proved game-changing in shaping how she viewed her purpose in life.
Born and raised in London, Candice now lives in the countryside with her family. She reflects on the contrast between her own urban upbringing and her children’s rural life, sharing how this difference in physical locations has shaped their daily experiences and perspectives.
Warning: As Clara says at the start of the episode, “Adventure can be found wherever YOU are.” Be prepared—you might just want to pack a bag (or three), grab a journal, and book a solo ticket to anywhere.
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Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER
Chapter Markers:
1:20 – Introduction. Clara welcomes Candice, a bestselling author and podcaster, and shares background on her journey.
2:40 – Childhood Travel Memories: Tower Bridge and North London Visits. Candice recalls her early train journeys across London to see her father and her fascination with Tower Bridge.
5:00 – First School Trip to the Countryside. Candice shares her year-four school trip experience to “The Croft” and how it opened her eyes to rural life outside of London.
6:40 – Raising Kids Outside London. Candice talks about her children growing up in a quieter setting and their reactions to the hustle and bustle of the city.
9:20 – Staycations in Wales and Bath. Candice discusses her family’s favourite UK destinations and why she loves solo trips within the country.
14:40 – Solo Travels and Self-Discovery.Candice shares her experience travelling solo in India and her reflections on personal growth.
16:40 – Memorable Trips as an Au Pair in Italy. The impact of losing her father during her time as an au pair in Naples and how it changed her perspective.
18:20 – Writing Inspiration and Grief. Candice reveals how travel fuels her writing and her fascination with grief and resilience.
24:20 – Goals of Freedom and Life in Jamaica. Candice discusses her goal to buy property in Jamaica, inspired by the desire for long-term rest and freedom.
27:00 – Style Inspirations from Family. Candice talks about her grandfather’s influence on her love for fashion and elegance.
36:20 – Joy in Dressing Up and Self-Expression. Candice expresses her love for fashion and the pride she takes in presenting herself with style.
43:20 – Travel Style and Packing Habits. Clara and Candice compare their packing approaches, with Candice sharing her penchant for multiple suitcases.
45:40 – Love for New York City. Candice reminisces about summers in New York with her family and her desire to live there for a decade.
49:20 – UK Destinations to Explore Next. Candice lists her UK travel bucket list, including Glen Eagles, Margate, and Brighton.